Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has told youths to take up the responsibility and effect the needed change in Nigeria instead of blaming the previous generations for the nation’s decay.
The former President said this at the 100th-year anniversary of Ijero Baptist Church in Lagos on Sunday.
Obasanjo said the generation before him fought for Nigeria’s independence while his generation fought for Nigeria’s unity during the civil war.
He said the subsequent generation also fought for democracy.
Obasanjo, therefore, said it was time for the next generation to make its own contribution to national development instead of complaining.
He said, “Recently, a son of my friend looked at everything around him and got angry and went to meet his dad who is my age mate. He told his father that our generation is a lost one. The father did not pay him any attention so he came to meet me.
“He told me what he told his father and justified it by telling me that he went to the university and graduated but got no job. So, our generation has failed him. So I told him that it is normal because that was how we used to blame the generation before us.
“But I told him that the generation before mine was the one that fought for our independence. Whichever way we want to criticise them, they gave us independence. Then my generation which you say is not good, fought the civil war. We fought for the unity of Nigeria and if we did not do so, you probably would need a visa to travel to Kano or Port Harcourt. Not only that but that generation also established the foundation of democracy.
“So what do you claim your generation has achieved? It is part of it. We have seen what successive leaders of each generation have done, what can we say about you? What can we say about your generation?”
Obasanjo, who noted that he attended the Ijero Baptist Church for the first time in 1946, said that the fact that the church was still standing after 100 years was worth celebrating.
The minister in charge, Rev. Olayemi Aderibigbe, who also inaugurated the Ijero Baptist Church History Book, urged youths to continue to build on the good which the church had done over the years so as to be able to give a lasting legacy to the next generation.
The People that destroy this country GEJ is trying to rebuild still have mouth to talk senseless into our ears in this country. May be he is still interested for third term bid as a failed Head of state and president that wanted to die as president on the throne. Be informed GEJ is far better than OBJ because OBJ abets corruption during his regime and Killed the people of Odi ignorantly which he will answer before God on Jugdement day.
ReplyDeletehave never read any senseless comment on NE like this,who are you informing that GEJ is better than OBJ let me tell you this the last 5-6 years of GEJ has really shows how better he has performed what can you really point at to justify your claim? nothing for sure than daily anguish and sorrow inflicted on Nigerians
DeleteFight for Nigeria’s survival, Obasanjo tells youths.......Obasanjo is calling all youth for revolution::
ReplyDeleteI av always said dis, we youth need to come out in mass & fight for better life.
ReplyDeleteNigerian Youths what are you waiting for. OBJ has call you to fight for Nigeria survival. OBJ as a father has indirectly advised you to Elect President, Governors etc with youthful and productive brain. NIGERIAN YOUTHS, take this ADVISE serious. Use this 2015 election to elect your true representatives this is one way you can fight for Nigeria survival. . BABA say use your VOTES. OBJ never say use GUN and Weapons, but your brain. ELDER has Advised.
ReplyDeleteYou are advising the youth against GEJ because he did not dance to your tune, that is why you are going on the other way round to bring him down, please pocket your advice, Nigerians' don wise up baba, I beg leave that thing.
ReplyDeleteI really respect the advise of OBJ but all our youths are not just responsible enough. Most of the youth had use all their lives on pleasure, no commitment, no will power to bring about any changes but are engaged in the blame game. Lagbaja had finish it long time ago, "Dem no go put leadership for your hand, na u go take am by yourself but no be force na by sense. Na u go make Nigeria better ooo." That's his word in prayer for the youth. Youth lets rise up to this challenge.
ReplyDeleteOn whichever side any youth might classify OBJ and his comments, the fact remains that the youths have to wake up. Their population in the country gives them an advantage to cause a change in the political landscape. They should become change agents in their communities, educate the voting masses on the need to vote right and shun stomach infrastructure. The youth should lead the crusade to ensure that every eligible voter is REGISTERED NOW. They should encourage them to get ACCREDITED at the appointed time and MUST VOTE AT THE ALLOTED TIME. They should advise them not to mind whatever inconveniences they might encounter in the process. There is no gain without pain.
ReplyDelete